How many men suffer from domestic abuse?

An estimated 1.9 million adults aged 16 to 59 years experienced domestic abuse in the last year alone, according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales.

1.2 million of these people were women. 713,000 were men.

But does this tell the whole story of male victims of domestic abuse?

The ManKind Initiative states that although one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives, only one in 20 will ever seek any help.

Domestic abuse survivor, Tony, told the BBC, "I still feel ashamed even today to admit I was in an abusive relationship," he said. "I think it's something to do with being a man. You're supposed to stand up for yourself, you're supposed to protect yourself.”

Whilst domestic abuse is extremely difficult to escape from for anyone, it can be even more difficult for male domestic abuse victims to seek help due to social stigma; if fact, many people are still completely unaware that men suffer from domestic abuse, too.

Part of the problem comes from the misconception that domestic abuse always involves physical violence. People find it hard to believe that a woman could overpower a man, and so they don’t understand how men become victims of domestic abuse.

But domestic abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, psychological or financial.

Domestic abuse doesn’t always look the way it’s portrayed in films and on TV.

It could look like someone constantly putting their partner down and making fun of them. It could look like restricting your partner’s access to money. It could look like isolating someone and using jealousy to shut down their support systems. And yes – it could also look like physical violence, towards men or women.

Domestic abuse is about power and control; this can manifest in many different ways.

How many men suffer from domestic abuse?

Right now, it’s hard to know. First, we need to break down the social stigma, and offer help and support to male victims. We need to teach everyone – including male victims of domestic abuse – that asking for help is a sign of strength, not one of weakness.

At Penny Appeal , we have a dedicated Domestic Abuse helpline, and we also offer in depth counselling in Yorkshire and London, as well as outreach in Birmingham.

Male, female, Muslim, atheist… whoever you are, whatever you’ve experienced, we are here to help.

Our helpline serves both female and male victims of domestic abuse, aged 18 and over nationwide. We operate 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm via 0808 802 3333. Callers can be reassured that there will be no cost to them whatsoever and the number won’t show up on any bills.

Our trained practitioners can offer tailored help and support for female and male domestic abuse survivors alike. You are not alone; call us and let’s have a chat.

We want men to take off the social ‘filter’ that says that men shouldn’t struggle with domestic abuse. No man or women should have to suffer in silence.

There should be #NoFilter when it comes to domestic abuse.

Call our helpline today at 0808 802 3333, find out more here, or donate just £20 to help us continue to support domestic abuse survivors across the UK with our Domestic Abuse Helpline.